Computer applications have become quite user-friendly and it is a piece of cake to download and install them. This is the reason why several users have redundant and unnecessary programs residing on their computers. Where downloading and installing programs have become simpler, uninstalling unwanted programs is usually quite the opposite. It is not nearly as easy to uninstall a program as it is to install it. This leads to uninstall problems, which may also result in different kinds of software errors. Let us begin by examining what kind of uninstall problems you can face and then proceed to learn the steps to troubleshoot them.
Normally, you can uninstall any software by using the Add or Remove Program utility that is available in the Control Panel of your Windows computer. This utility displays a list of programs installed on your computer and you need to select the application you want to uninstall and then follow the screen instructions to complete the uninstall process. At the end of the uninstallation, you are usually asked to restart your computer in order to wipe out all system files as well as registry entries.
Some programs do not add an entry in the Add or Remove Programs utility. You can access uninstallers for such programs by using one of the following two methods:
- Look for the program uninstall option in the program’s folder in the Start menu.
- Navigate to the program’s folder in Windows Explorer and then launch its uninstaller by double-clicking the uninstall file located in this folder.
Most of the programs can be removed using the above methods. However, a few stubborn programs neither exist in Add or Remove Programs, nor have an uninstall option. This is true of many freeware that you download as well as malicious software like spyware and adware which enter and install on your system without your permission. To troubleshoot uninstall problems with such programs and to completely obliterate any sign of such software from your system, you will require the services of reliable third-party automatic uninstaller tools such as Perfect Uninstaller. These uninstallers can quickly identify all programs that are located on your computer and can perform complete uninstallation of all programs including the ones that are stubborn and do not give you an option to uninstall. To get rid of spyware programs you may use a reliable spyware cleaner tool, such as XoftSpySE. This tool is designed to scan all nooks and corners of your computer and get rid of all malicious files and registry entries planted by spyware and adware on your computer.
Another common problem that users face during program uninstallation is the orphaned program files and registry entries that get left behind. This is especially true of large applications, such as various security software suites and database applications. These files and registry entries may interfere with the working of your computer and generate errors. Manufacturers of such applications, usually provide uninstallers for their software on their official Web sites. You can download these uninstallers to ensure complete removal of these large applications.
In the absence of a specific program uninstaller, it is best that you use a third-party program uninstaller tool, such as Perfect Uninstaller to ensure complete removal of these programs.
It is also recommended that you follow up any program uninstall activity with a registry cleanup using an efficient registry tool such as RegGenie. It is always a wise decision to clean your Windows registry after you uninstall a program as this will not only keep your system free from errors, but also optimize its performance.